Bleaching is harsh. It’s a stressful process, for your hair and scalp. That’s why it’s important to be careful when using more hair care products.
The experts over at Style Craze generally recommend waiting for 2-3 days. But does that also apply to toning shampoo?
After all, you don’t want any unwanted tones to stay in your hair for too long.
Here’s everything you need to know about timing your toning shampoo after bleaching.
But before we talk about when to use toning shampoo, you need to understand bleaching.
What Happens During Bleaching?
Bleaching is a process that lightens the color of your hair by removing the natural pigments. It is a chemical process that involves the use of bleach, a strong oxidizing agent that breaks down the melanin in your hair.
This is why most people develop unwanted tones: the breakdown of pigment causes underlying pigment to appear.
And when unwanted tones (pigment) appears, you can combat it with toning shampoo.
Bleaching Process
The bleaching process involves several steps:
- First, the bleach is mixed with a developer, which is usually hydrogen peroxide.
- The mixture is then applied to the hair, starting from the ends and working up to the roots.
- The bleach is left on the hair for a certain amount of time, usually between 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the desired level of lightening.
- After the desired level of lightening is achieved, the bleach is rinsed out thoroughly.
It is important to rinse out all the bleach residue from your hair to prevent further damage. This also makes for better toning later.
The Role of Toning Shampoo
Toning shampoo can be an effective way to maintain the color of your hair and neutralize any unwanted brassy tones.
When you bleach your hair, you strip it of color. This allows underlying pigment to appear.
And this is where you need to use toning shampoo: to get rid of the underlying pigment and tones.
The theory behind it relies on the color wheel. For example, if you get orange tones, you need a blue shampoo. They are opposite on the color wheel, so they neutralize each other.
In this section, we’ll explore the role of toning shampoo and how it can help you achieve the hair color you want.
Understanding Hair Color and Tones
To understand the role of toning shampoo, it’s important to understand hair color and tones.
Hair color is determined by the amount of melanin in the hair, while hair tones refer to the warmth or coolness of the color.
When hair is bleached, the natural pigment is removed, leaving behind a yellow, orange, or red tone. Toning shampoo neutralizes these tones to achieve a more desirable color.
Using Toning Shampoo After Bleaching
After bleaching your hair, wait a few days before using toning shampoo. This will give your hair time to recover from the bleaching process. It will also prevent further damage.
When you’re ready to use toning shampoo, choose a product that is specifically designed for your hair color and type.
More about how to choose the right toning shampoo later.
When Should You Use Toning Shampoo After Bleaching?
You should wait 48 to 72 hours (2-3 days) after bleaching before washing your hair. This allows your hair to recover after the bleaching process before you apply other hair care products.
Can You Use Toning Shampoo Right After Bleaching?
It’s generally not recommended to use toning shampoo immediately after bleaching your hair. Bleaching can cause damage to your hair, and using toning shampoo right away can further damage your hair and scalp.
What Happens if You Use Toning Shampoo Too Soon?
If you use toning shampoo too soon after bleaching, it can cause further damage to your hair and scalp.
Toning shampoo can be harsh. If your hair and scalp are already damaged from the bleaching process, it can cause dryness, breakage, and even hair loss.
Additionally, using toning shampoo too soon can result in uneven color.
Bleaching opens up the hair cuticle, making it more porous, and toning shampoo can deposit unevenly on porous hair.
How to Use Toning Shampoo in Bleached Hair
Here’s a quick guide on how to use toning shampoo for bleached hair.
- Wet your hair. This makes it easier to distribute the shampoo evenly.
- Apply the shampoo and distribute evenly. Make sure to saturate all the strands.
- Leave the shampoo on your hair for the recommended time, which can vary depending on the brand and the level of toning you desire.
- Rinse the shampoo out thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear.
Special Considerations for Highlights
If you have highlights in your bleached hair, be careful when using toning shampoo. The shampoo can tone the highlights differently than the rest of your hair, resulting in uneven color.
Apply the shampoo directly to the areas that need treatment.
Additional Post-Bleaching Hair Care
After bleaching your hair, it is important to take extra care to prevent damage, breakage, frizz, dryness, and split ends.
Here are some tips to help maintain healthy hair after bleaching:
Water Temperature
Use lukewarm water when washing your hair to prevent further damage. Hot water can cause dryness and damage to your hair.
Sulfate-Free Products
Avoid using harsh shampoos and conditioners that contain sulfates, which can strip your hair of its natural oils. Instead, use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to help maintain moisture in your hair.
Hair Toner
Apply a hair toner after bleaching to remove any yellow or brassy undertones. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and use a toner that is appropriate for your hair type.
Deep Conditioning Treatment
Use a deep conditioning treatment once a week to help keep your hair moisturized and prevent dryness. Apply the treatment to wet hair and leave it in for at least 10 minutes before rinsing it out.
Heat-Styling Tools
Avoid using heat-styling tools such as flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers. If you must use them, use a heat protectant spray to help prevent damage to your hair.
Dry Shampoo
Use a dry shampoo in between washes to help absorb excess oil and keep your hair looking fresh.
Styling Tools
When styling your hair, use a wide-tooth comb or a brush with soft bristles to prevent breakage and damage to your hair.
Rinse with Cool Water
Rinse your hair with cool water after washing it to help seal the cuticles and prevent frizz.
Bleaching is harsh on the hair. Take extra care of your hair and give it the maintenance it needs to stay healthy.
What Toning Shampoo Should You Use After Bleaching?
After bleaching your hair, it is a great idea to use a toning shampoo to neutralize any unwanted tones.
But which one to use depends on your hair color:
- Purple shampoo for blondes
- Blue shampoo for brunettes
- Green shampoo for dark hair
Purple Shampoo for Blondes
If you have blonde hair, purple shampoo is your best bet.
Purple is opposite yellow on the color wheel, so it cancels out any brassy or yellow tones in your hair.
Use it once a week or as needed to keep your blonde looking fresh and bright.
Blue Shampoo for Brunettes
If you have brown hair, blue shampoo is the way to go.
Blue is opposite orange on the color wheel, so it neutralizes any orange or red tones in your hair. Most brunettes develop orange tones after color-treating their hair.
Green Shampoo for Dark Hair
If you have dark hair, green shampoo is your best option.
Green is opposite red on the color wheel, so it neutralizes any red or orange tones in your hair. And since dark hair develops these undertones, green shampoo is the perfect product.
Natural Alternatives for Hair Care
If you are looking for natural alternatives to take care of your hair after bleaching, there are many options available to you.
Here are a few natural ingredients that can help you hydrate and nourish your hair:
- Avocado
- Honey
- Olive oil
- Coconut oil
- Argan oil
- Egg whites
Avocado
Avocado is a great source of healthy fats that can help moisturize and strengthen your hair. Mash up a ripe avocado and apply it to your hair as a hair mask. Leave for 20-30 minutes before rinsing it out.
Honey
Honey is a natural humectant that can help lock in moisture and prevent your hair from becoming dry and brittle. Mix honey with your conditioner or apply it directly to your hair as a hair mask.
Olive oil
Olive oil is rich in antioxidants and healthy fats that can help nourish and protect your hair. Apply a few drops of olive oil to your hair before shampooing or use it as a hair mask.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is another great source of healthy fats that can help moisturize and strengthen your hair. Apply coconut oil to your hair as a hair mask or use it as a leave-in conditioner.
Argan oil
Argan oil is a lightweight oil that can help hydrate and nourish your hair without weighing it down. Apply a few drops of argan oil to your hair after washing and conditioning for extra nourishment.
Egg whites
Egg whites are rich in protein and can help strengthen your hair. Mix egg whites with your conditioner or apply them directly to your hair as a hair mask.
How to Prevent Damage from External Factors
After bleaching your hair, it’s essential to take care of it to prevent further damage from external factors.
Here are some tips to help you:
- Protecting Your Hair from Chlorine
- Avoiding Ammonia
- Being Careful with Peroxide
- Using a Microfiber Towel
Avoid Harsh Hair Products
Avoid harsh ingredients such as sulfates, parabens, and alcohol. These ingredients can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage.
Watch Out for Chlorine
If you swim regularly, make sure to protect your hair from chlorine. Wear a swim cap or apply a leave-in conditioner before swimming to create a barrier between your hair and the chlorine.
Avoid Ammonia
Avoid using ammonia-based toners immediately after bleaching your hair. Ammonia can cause further damage to the hair shaft, leading to breakage and split ends. Instead, wait for a few days before using toner.
Avoid Peroxide
Be careful when using peroxide-based products on your hair. These products can be harsh and cause damage if not used correctly.
Use a Microfiber Towel
Use a microfiber towel to dry your hair instead of a regular towel. Microfiber towels are gentler on the hair and help prevent breakage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use purple shampoo immediately after bleaching?
Yes, you can use purple shampoo immediately after bleaching your hair. However, it’s important to note that purple shampoo is not a toner and will not have the same effect as a toner. Purple shampoo is used to neutralize brassy tones in blonde hair, but it will not change the overall color of your hair.
Can I tone my hair right after I bleach it?
Yes, you can tone your hair right after you bleach it. In fact, toning your hair immediately after bleaching can help to neutralize any unwanted brassy or yellow tones in your hair. However, it’s important to follow the instructions on the toner carefully to avoid damaging your hair.
How soon after bleach and toner can I wash my hair?
It’s best to wait at least 24 hours after bleaching and toning your hair before washing it. This will give your hair time to recover from the chemical process and help to prevent any damage or breakage. When you do wash your hair, make sure to use a gentle shampoo and conditioner to avoid stripping your hair of its natural oils.
Can I use shimmer lights after bleaching?
Yes, you can use shimmer lights after bleaching your hair. Shimmer lights is a purple shampoo that can help to neutralize brassy tones in blonde hair. However, it’s important to note that shimmer lights is not a toner and will not change the overall color of your hair.
How long should I wait to use purple shampoo after getting highlights?
It’s best to wait at least 48 hours after getting highlights before using purple shampoo. This will allow the highlights to settle and prevent any damage or breakage. When you do use purple shampoo, make sure to follow the instructions carefully to avoid over-toning your hair.
Can you use purple shampoo as a toner after bleaching?
No, you should not use purple shampoo as a toner after bleaching your hair. While purple shampoo can help to neutralize brassy tones in blonde hair, it will not have the same effect as a toner. Toner is designed to change the overall color of your hair, while purple shampoo is only meant to neutralize certain tones.
Can i use purple shampoo 2 days after bleaching?
Yes, you can use purple shampoo two days after bleaching. The recommended waiting period between bleaching and shampooing is 48-72 hours.
